Ethiopian Language Facts and Information

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Languages of Ethiopia

Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia, and is the native language of some 6 million people. It is a member of the Southern Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages.

Amharic is the official language of the Ethiopian Empire and used in government, in business, in all instruction in government schools, and in most newspapers. It is, however, not the only language spoken in Ethiopia. Amharic belongs to the Southern Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic (formerly called Hamito-Semitic) family of languages.

The number of native speakers of Amharic together with the speakers of the other Semitic languages spoken in Ethiopia (such as Tigriniya, Tigre, Harari, Gurage and others) is less than one half the total population of the Empire.

The greatest part of Ethiopia is inhabited by speakers of Cushitic languages (another branch of the Afro-Asiatic family) such as Galia, Agaw, Somali and many others.

But Amharic is now the language of greatest prestige and anyone who has had any education is able to speak it, even if it is not his mother tongue. Still others learn it informally as a second language. The number of speakers worldwide, including those using it as a second language is estimated to be about 30 million.

Ethiopian Language Resources

Check out below for Ethiopian Language Resources

Talk Now Beginner Amharic Software

450 Basic Words and Phrases

Talk_Now_Amharic_Beginner_SoftwareTalk Now Amharic

Talk Now! is the world's best selling language learning CD-ROM series for beginners, used by more than eight million people to date. It's ideal for travelers, holiday makers, business people, school children, students and families. Anyone beginning to learn Amharic will find the disc indispensable.

Nine topics first words, food, colors, phrases, parts of the body, numbers, time, shopping and countries.

Speech recording compare your voice with native speakers

Two quiz levels Test what you've learned, earn points and monitor your progress.

Memory Games to improve your knowledge of key vocabulary.

Intelligent Software remembers words you get wrong and targets your weak points.

Automatic Localization lets you choose the language you learn from (more than 100 available).

Wide range of words from greetings and phrases to parts of the body, numbers and shopping.

Gold Award if you get all 1800 points when using the disc.

Printable Dictionary with color pictures.

iPod integration listen to Talk Now Amharic wherever you are!

Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher; Windows 2000/ME/XP/Vista; iTunes 6 required for MP3 function

If your interested in learning Amharic, then check out Talk Now Beginner Amharic Software at our store.

A Modern Dictionary of the Amharic Language

Amharic_English_DictionarySimon Wallenberg's Second 2007 edition of this invaluable reference book is bound to be welcome. The editors of Simon Wallenberg have included a brand new introduction to the Amharic language and a history of the Ethiopian People. Cultural notes have been added along with useful information on contemporary Ethiopia. A section on the Rastafarian religion has been added.

The new edition has been expanded with over 660 pages of definitions making this dictionary the most comprehensive on the Amharic language. True to form, the Simon Wallenberg's editors have carried forward Endale Zenawi's work and have lived up to their tradition of creating some of the most widely used and respected dictionaries and reference books in the world.

Definitions continue to be organized around the "core" meanings that is, "the one that represents the most literal use that the word has in ordinary modern Amharic usage.

If your interested in learning Amharic, then check out Amharic Dictionary at our store.

FSI Amharic Level 1 & 2 CD ROM Course

Learning Amharic CourseThe Foreign Service Institute has developed a series of language-learning courses for use by the state department and other government agencies. These courses have been developed, tested by use, and improved over a period of many years.

Working with the Departments of Defense, Education, other government agencies, and various universities, the FSI has created the largest body of complete courses for languages of the world available anywhere.

This course produced by the Foreign Service Institute as part of its Basic Course series, provides introductory through intermediate level material. The goal of Foreign Service Institute courses is to provide the English Speaking student's from any occupational background with practical knowledge and proficiency in their language of interest.

The underlying method of this CD ROM course is guided imitation, and the aim is automaticity. The ultimate goal of the course is to speak the target language accurately and easily.

If your interested in learning Amharic, then check out Amharic Language Course at our store.

Ethiopian Languages BlogPosts

Agaw-Midir-Ethiopia: Renaissance of Agaw People's Priori Identity As a Support ...
These experts do narrate that Agawinya is a main substratum for the Ethio-Semitic languages. The assertion holds water because of the reality that the languages of Abyssinia have got the same grammatical structure to that of the Agaw, but enriched by ...
For an Ethiopia in Transition, Guarded Hope for Freer Journalism
But ?jiggeri yellem,? as people here say for ?no problem? in Amharic, the official language. ?We'll see when we're there,? she said, gasping. Changing almost at the speed of its marathon runners, modern Ethiopia is a far cry from what it used to be.
'Unlike All Previous Governments Our Writ Runs in Every Village' - Excerpts ...
By Richard Dowden, 25 May 2012 RAS Director Richard Dowden interviewed Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles on May 12th 2012. What follows is a selection of quotes from the interview on subjects ranging from democracy to the demise of Muammar Gadaffi and ...
Obama Awards Presidential Medals of Freedom
Once, at a naturalization ceremony, an Ethiopian man came up to her and said, ?Only in America can a refugee meet the Secretary of State.? And she replied, ?Only in America can a refugee become the Secretary of State.? (Laughter.) ...

eBay Products for Learning Foreign Languages

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Learning the Amharic Language

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Ethiopian Language Bookmarks

Ethiopian Languages Spotlight

Ethiopia, 5th (Bradt Travel Guide Ethiopia)

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Learning Amharic with Talk Now Amharic

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Ten Essential Things To Do When Visiting Ethiopia

Learning AmharicEthiopia is a country in Africa that is considered to have played a very vital role in the history of man, having evidences of the earliest forms of humanity in the world. An interesting trivia about Ethiopia is the one where its Emperor Haile Selassie, circa 1952, was considered by the Rastas as the reincarnation of Jesus. If this is your first time to visit Ethiopia, the ten things above are a must-do for you to fully enjoy your stay in the magnificent, wildlife country of Africa, and you are best advised to always have a guide with you especially if you do not know how to speak their language as you could get lost in the wilderness.

1.) Safari

What is the point of going to Africa if you're not there to see its magnificent wildlife and experience nature at its finest? Safaris can be done by foot or riding a mule. Most tourists though prefer going by jeep or any SUV available to see the wonderful sights a safari trip offers.

2.) Nature trekking or hiking

If you want to rub elbows with Africa's wildlife in a controlled environment where you might feel safer, you can always visit their national park, the Simien Mountains. You can also ride ponies here for a more natural trekking experience. This is a wonderful experience for nature lovers.

3) Addis Ababa mercato

No one wants to leave a place he visited empty-handed especially if you're visiting a country as rich in culture, heritage and history as Ethiopia. The mercato holds some of Africa's best finds. Here, you can find tokens, mementos, native products, everything you want to bring home to remind you of Africa.

4.) Addis Ababa

The country's capital, here you will find Ethiopia's history in the National Museum. You can also see its history in its palaces the Menelik and the Jubilee, and the famous Revolution Square. Don't forget though to visit the Cathedral of St. George and other historical sites in the city.

5.) Aksum

One of the earliest capitals of Ethiopia's kingdom famous for its obelisks made out of granite is Askum. The architecture alone is breathtaking. To actually wander through one of the world's best archeological sites is something to look forward to as well.

6.) Tissisat Falls

Also called the Blue Nile, its magnificent falls is postcard perfect and likewise breathtaking. You can go rafting or rapid shooting in some parts of the Blue Nile. If you are in Bahar Dar, the falls is just about approximately twenty or so miles from the place.

7.) Sailing, windsurfing and waterskiing

Ethiopia's great lakes and rivers allow any tourist to enjoy water sports and recreation during their visit. Guides will be available to show you some of the greatest spots to go. You can indulge yourself in sailing or swimming in Lake Tana.

8.) Caves

Ethiopia also has some of the world's greatest caving sites. Here, you can explore and discover the earliest signs of human existence in the country. Get to experience even briefly how its ancient people lived.

9.) Nature springs

This is visited for their therapeutic effects on the body. The country's nature springs are a must when you're visiting especially after a long trek in the wildlife. Here, you can relax those aching bones and muscles.

10.) Mountain climbing

A spectacular view from the top of the mountain in Africa is something every visitor should experience. You can always try the Bale Plateau for that grand view. Visitors are advised to bring their own gear as no gear is available for rent or sale.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/ten-essential-things-to-do-when-visiting-ethiopia-329438.html

About the AuthorJonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/ethiopia to view or share Ethiopia travel videos.

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